Where to invest your future in economics

What kind of person does it take to get an economics degree? Well, just about anyone can.

There is way more to economics than just money. Economics is about understanding how different choices affect people’s quality of life, what business decisions mean for the environment, why countries trade with each other, how government policies address poverty and even what drives trends in the prices of milk! Economics careers are on the up, so whether you’re a community crusader, keen to research global issues or lusting after a well-off wage, there’s a job out there for you.

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#1 Crime fighter

Actually, criminologist. Economics has a lot to contribute to our understanding of crime — this could be the first step to solving the case. Check out superstar economist/criminologist Steve Yeong’s story in box (right).

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|#2 International organisations

Got a strong social conscience and keen to work for the UN, World Bank, aid organisations or other NGOs? Put your skills towards tackling poverty and making the world a better place through development economics.

#3 Business strategy management consultancy

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#4 Environmental economist

This is a fairly new discipline, exploring the relationship between the economy and the environment. Given the challenges the environment faces now and into the future, chances are this field will keep growing.

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#5 Stockbroking and investment banking

It’s no secret that there’s big money to be made. So if you’re a calculated risk-taker and a people person, this is the job for you.

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#6 Government policy

Be part of the decision-making processes that affect an entire nation with the aim to maximise quality of life and reduce inequality. Think: evaluating funding for infrastructure, health programs and education.

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#7 Central banks

Keen to contribute to monetary policy decisions that influence the direction of the economy? If you are interested in economic data, financial markets or developments in the banking system, then the RBA could be the place to make an impact.

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#8 Research and development (R&D)

R+D isn’t just about coming up with creative ideas for how to do and make new things — for those ideas to become reality, learning how to implement them correctly is crucial. The theory and technical skills you take away from economics come in handy here.

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#9 Data analytics

An economics degree not only gives you technical skills in analysing Big Data, but also the conceptual skills to consider solutions to problems. Demand for these skills comes from fields as diverse as marketing, tech companies and even sports-team performance. Huge choices!